Disfellowship

/dɪsˈfɛloʊʃɪp/ verb

Definition

To remove someone from fellowship or membership in a community, organization, or church; to expel or exclude from a group that one previously belonged to.

Etymology

From dis- (meaning to reverse or remove) combined with fellowship (membership in a group or community). Common in religious contexts as a disciplinary action.

Kelly Says

Many religious groups, especially Jehovah's Witnesses and some Christian denominations, practice disfellowship as formal punishment—members are cut off from family and friends as a way to enforce doctrinal obedience.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.